Spotted Pictus Catfish – Pimelodus pictus
The Spotted Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) is a sleek, fast-moving freshwater catfish known for its silver body, bold black spots, and long flowing barbels. This active species brings constant motion and personality to larger community aquariums, especially during evening hours and feeding time.
Spotted Pictus Catfish are social fish that do best when kept in groups, where they display more confident and natural behavior. They prefer aquariums with open swimming space, strong filtration, and hiding areas such as driftwood, caves, and rockwork.
Key Features
- Silver body covered in bold black spots
- Long flowing barbels and sleek body shape
- Highly active freshwater catfish
- Best kept in groups of 3 or more
- Great for larger community aquariums
- Active during evening hours and feeding time
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Pimelodus pictus
- Common Name: Spotted Pictus Catfish
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful with similarly sized fish, but predatory toward very small tankmates
- Adult Size: Approximately 4–5 inches
- Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons or larger recommended
- Group Size: Best kept in groups of 3 or more
- Tank Level: Bottom to mid-water
- Water Temperature: 72–80°F
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Diet: Carnivore / omnivore
Why Choose Spotted Pictus Catfish?
Spotted Pictus Catfish are excellent choices for aquarists who want an active, eye-catching bottom dweller for a larger freshwater aquarium. Their spotted pattern, long barbels, and energetic swimming make them stand out from many slower catfish species.
While generally peaceful, they are opportunistic feeders and may eat very small fish. Tankmates should be medium-sized, peaceful, and too large to be viewed as food.
Ideal Tank Setup
Provide a spacious aquarium with open swimming areas, strong filtration, and stable water quality. Spotted Pictus Catfish are active swimmers and appreciate room to move, especially when kept in groups.
Add driftwood, caves, rockwork, and shaded areas to give them places to rest during the day. A secure lid is recommended, as active catfish can startle and jump.
Compatible Tankmates
- Medium-sized peaceful community fish
- Larger tetras
- Rainbowfish
- Silver Dollars
- Severums
- Peaceful cichlids of suitable size
- Other active fish too large to be eaten
Tankmates to Avoid
- Very small fish
- Small shrimp
- Slow or delicate fish that may be stressed
- Aggressive cichlids
- Fin-nipping tankmates
- Overcrowded bottom-dweller setups
Diet & Feeding
Spotted Pictus Catfish are active feeders that accept a variety of sinking and meaty foods. Offer sinking pellets, carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other appropriately sized frozen or prepared foods.
Because they are fast and active, make sure food reaches the bottom and that all fish in the group are getting enough to eat. Evening feeding can be helpful since they are often more active in lower light.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 3 or more when possible
- Provide a 55-gallon or larger aquarium
- Use strong filtration and maintain clean water
- Offer caves, driftwood, and shaded resting areas
- Avoid tankmates small enough to be eaten
- Feed sinking foods and meaty frozen foods for variety
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Spotted Pictus Catfish community safe?
Yes, they can be kept in community aquariums with similarly sized peaceful fish. They may eat very small tankmates, so avoid tiny fish and small shrimp.
Do Spotted Pictus Catfish need to be kept in groups?
Yes. They are social catfish and usually do best in groups of 3 or more, which helps reduce stress and encourages natural behavior.
Are Spotted Pictus Catfish aggressive?
They are not usually aggressive, but they are fast, active, and opportunistic feeders. Very small fish may be eaten.
Do Spotted Pictus Catfish hide a lot?
They may rest or hide during the day, but they often become very active in the evening and during feeding time.
How big do Spotted Pictus Catfish get?
They typically reach approximately 4–5 inches as adults.
What size tank do Spotted Pictus Catfish need?
A 55-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended, especially when keeping a proper group.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Spotted Pictus Catfish are active freshwater catfish for larger community aquariums, natural setups, and hobbyists who want a fast-moving spotted bottom dweller. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop freshwater fish, catfish, aquarium food, filtration supplies, driftwood, caves, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
Explore More Aquarium Products:
Out of stock
Couldn't load pickup availability
Explore Related Aquarium Products: